Howdy! Virgins from LA & eastcoast!

[Ratpick]

Hi there! I always thought the new user/ intro posts on forums were pretty useless and silly, but this eplaya world seems a little different. A little more genuine. I already posted about flat-pack furniture and got useful responses almost immediately! I was impressed.
Anyway, to the point. I'm 30, first burn. Coming from Pasadena with my girlfriend and another couple. First time for all of us! We're very excited. Also meeting another couple from New York or Jersey or something. Not sure if their first but think so. I'm actually a little obsessed and overtaken by the preparation for this. But I figure the more work and stress I put in now the more enjoyment and floating through the week I can have. Right?
So far I've built a hexayurt with a front "dust-room" extension. I'm trying to finish a custom swamp cooler that will be solar powered. Got the 45w solar panel kit from harbor freight. Hoping it's enough. Should have all up and running in a week or so to test. Think we've planned for and covered everything survival based, just have to make sure we bring some booze and toys and Fun and whatnot!
Everyone here sounds pretty great, can't wait to meet some of you!

[Savannah]

Hi Ratpick! Welcome to the board. You sound like you're doing very, very well. Very take-charge, a planner, a do-er. I'm jealous of your yurt.

But I figure the more work and stress I put in now the more enjoyment and floating through the week I can have. Right?

Yes, indeed. Very much so.

If we haven't frightened you too badly with our snarking and whatnot, come to the ePlaya Meet & Greet.

Thursday of the event
6:00-8:00pm at Barbie Death Camp & Wine Bistro
Address: 3:30 & E
Bring ice, booze or food to share.

[Ratpick]

Well thanks for the invite! I'll try to make it, have to write it inside the yurt or something to remember.
I'll post some pics of it soon enough so you all can truly admire it! And maybe find it to drop in for a visit.

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

How did you construct the dust-room extension for your yurt?

[illy dilly]

Hey Ratpick, welcome to eplaya!

Absolutely the more work you put in now the more fun you'll have later.
Here's what I tell most virgins I know. Make three lists
First list, Stuff I need to survive the week. This is the most important list! Should include Water, Food, way to warm/eat food, shelter, sun screen, place to sleep, and a way to be seen at night (glow sticks). This list should also include the mode of transportation to the playa, and an estimate on fuel costs. Only once this list is complete do you move on to list 2.

Second list, things I can do to make my burn a lot more comfortable, easier, and more fun. This list should include alcohol (if you drink), games, fun clothes, stuff to share, way to keep my self/ friends cool, bike/MV, boom box/Ipod dock, and other stuff that will not be overly difficult to make happen.

List three, things I really don't need but would like to make/have if I have extra time and money. This list includes insane MVs, huge sound systems, awesome public bars, etc.

Though, it sounds like you're well on your way through list one, and into list 2. Leave list 3 for next year!

How prepared is the other couple your camping with?
Make sure they are just as prepared as you, or it will seem like you're carrying them through the week, and can get frustrating.